Support device for articles of furniture

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a device that is easily attachable onto existing articles of furniture without requiring the modification of the furniture. The present device allows users to lie comfortably face down on such furniture without neck or other body strain.  
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support device includes a cushion layer. The cushion layer is formed of a waterproof or at least water-resistant material. The dimensions of the cushion layer are such to fit on the desired article of furniture. The cushion layer includes an opening near one end. The user is able lie prone on the cushion layer on the article of furniture with their face in the opening to minimize discomfort and strain.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for supporting a user in a face down position on an article of furniture such as a reclining lawn chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Lounge chairs, chaise lounges or even beach towels are quite common in use around pools, lawns, decks and other recreational locations. Typically these chairs or lounges are reclinable in a variety of positions to enable users to relax in different upright or reclined position. However, often a person may desire to recline or lay down in a “face-down” position. This position particularly arises when a person is attempting to tan their backside. This is uncomfortable with the typically lounge chair as the user would be face down against the structure of the chair. Additionally, the user is placed in an awkward position causing neck strain as well as other discomfort.

[0003] Traditional lawn/pool chairs have required the user to endure this type of discomfort or attempt to overcome the discomfort by propping themselves up on their elbows, using pillows to prop themselves up or turn their head to one side or the other. None of these positions are particularly comfortable or appealing.

[0004] Other problems have arisen not only in recreational furniture such as lawn/pool chairs but in therapeutic devices as well. For example, massage therapists that work onsite at client's homes, at spas or other locations must carry their massage tables to those sites. These tables are cumbersome and difficult to transport. Also, often patients are required to rest in a face down position after surgery or during rehabilition processes. This requires expensive and specialized beds.

[0005] There have been several previous attempts to solve this problem. For example, prior devices, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,342, U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,080 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,850 have provided modified recreational furniture that include a hole formed in a portion of the furniture. The user is able to lie face down with their face extending into this opening. This requires the purchase of specialized furniture that must be brought to the location where it is to be used. This is often difficult to do while traveling, and also, many locations do not allow the use of personal furniture.

[0006] Another type of prior device, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,184, uses a support device that attaches onto an existing lounge chair. This device simply adds a pillowed cushion with a face opening onto the end of an existing lounge chair.

[0007] Another type of prior device, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,157, provides a cover for a folding lounge. This cover requires the modification of the lounge chair to enable the cover to operate properly.

[0008] These and other devices have failed to provide a comfortable accessory that can be used on existing furniture without modification of that furniture, that is easily cleaned, and that can be easily transported.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a support device that solves these and other problems. The present invention provides a device that is easily attachable onto existing articles of furniture without requiring the modification of the furniture. The present invention also provides a device that allows users to lie comfortably face down on such furniture without neck or other body strain.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support device includes a cushion layer. The cushion layer is formed of a waterproof or at least water-resistant material. The dimensions of the cushion layer are such to fit on the desired article of furniture. The cushion layer includes an opening near one end. The user is able lie prone on the cushion layer on the article of furniture with their face in the opening to minimize discomfort and strain.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the cushion layer is formed of a stretchable, elastic material (such as spandex, etc.) to fit over various types of furniture regardless of their dimensions.

[0012] The cushion layer of the preferred embodiment includes engagement mechanisms for attaching onto the article of furniture. The engagement mechanism, in one preferred embodiment includes at least one pocket that engages over the corner or side of the article of furniture. Other types of engagement mechanisms may include hook and loop such as Velcro, snaps, zippers or other well known engagement devices.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cushion layer includes an insert for the opening. The user is able to remove the insert or at least fold it out of the way during use.

[0014] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a towel layer that engages over the cushion layer or used by itself. The towel layer also includes an opening that mate with the opening in the cushion layer. The towel layer may be formed in different colors and materials for individuality. The towel layer provides a hygienic easily washable and cleaned layer for use on the cushion or by itself.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the support device may be used on a table to create an easily transportable massage table. Also, the support device may be used as a therapeutic device on an existing bed for recuperation after surgery or during rehabilitation.

[0016] These and other features of the present invention will be evident from the detailed description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 on an article of furniture.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention with a single pocket engagement mechanism.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention with an insert for the opening.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention with a towel layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, provides an accessory device for attachment to a lounge chair. In the preferred embodiment, the accessory device attaches onto a lounge chair in order to enable the lounge chair to be used with the user in a position facing the lounge chair. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below. It is to be expressly understood that this descriptive embodiment is provided for explanatory purposes only, and is not meant to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Other embodiments of the present invention are considered to be within the scope of the claimed inventions, including not only those embodiments that would be within the scope of one skilled in the art, but also as encompassed in technology developed in the future.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention includes an accessory device for use with lounge chairs, cots, tables, and other devices that allow an individual to recline or stretch out. In this preferred embodiment, the accessory device 10 includes a cushion 20. The cushion 10 is formed of a water-resistant or waterproof material as is known in the art. It is to be expressly understood that other materials may be used as well. The use of a water-resistant or water proof material is used in this particular embodiment for use near pools, hot tubs, spas, or other water environments or for general use outdoors.

[0025] The cushion 20 in this preferred embodiment includes dimensions to fit a typical outdoor lounge chair/chaise lounge. It is to be expressly understood that the cushion 20 may include dimensions that fit over other types of furniture, such as but not limited to tables, cots, and other types of reclining furniture. The cushion 20 may also include elastic material that will enable the cushion 20 to be stretched over the lounge or other furniture.

[0026] In this preferred embodiment, the cushion 20 includes corner pockets 24, 26, 28, 30 that engage over the corners of the lounge chair to form a taut surface with the chair and held in place thereon. The corner pockets 24, 26, 28, 30 may include elastic material to stretch over the corners of the furniture or they can merely slip over the corners.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the cushion 20 also includes an opening 32 formed near one end of the cushion. The opening 32 is generally the size of a person's face. In the preferred embodiment, the opening 32 is formed entirely through the cushion 20. The thickness of the cushion 20 enables a person to lie face down on the cushion 20 with their face comfortably fitting in the opening 32. The cushion 20 may also be built up around the opening 32 to provide additional support for the user's face, if desired. A fabric layer 40 may be included as well to provide an easily cleanable surface as well as for decorative and comfort purposes.

[0028] In use, the accessory device 10 is installed over a reclining lawn/pool chair by inserting the corner pockets 24, 26 over the corners or ends of the chair. The chair can be used normally in any position. In the event that the user desires to lay or recline face down, the user simply lies on the cushion 20 so that their face engages in the opening 32. The user's face is able to look straight down without discomfort, particularly on the neck of the user. The user may also modify the chair by forming a hole at the appropriate position mating with the opening 32 so that the user can read, view a television screen or other activity. However, in a preferred embodiment, the above-described accessory device may be used without modification of the furniture. The cushion provides sufficient support and space for the user to lie prone face down without discomfort.

[0029] In another embodiment of the preferred invention shown in FIG. 4, the cushion 20 includes a single pocket 200 that runs from side to side along the back and top of the cushion 20. This embodiment is secured on the chair over the top surface edge of the chair.

[0030] In other embodiments of the present invention, the cushion is engaged onto the chair by other known engagement mechanisms, such as hook and loop engagement, adhesives, snaps, zippers or other mechanisms.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, the cushion 20 includes an oversized insert 34 that engages by a flap hinge or else merely inserted in the opening 30 from the bottom of the cushion. When the user desires to lie face down, the insert 30 is pushed out of the way.

[0032] The present invention, in another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, includes a towel 50. The towel 50 lies over the cushion 20 with an opening 52 that mates with the opening 30 of the cushion. The towel 50 provides a hygienic personal layer on the cushion 50 and may be formed of different types of colors and materials. The opening 52 may include a flap 54 that is moved out of the way when the user lies face down. Also, the towel 50 may also include corner pockets or a top pocket to engage over the cushion if desired. The towel may be used with or without the cushion, if desired.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the accessory device 10 is used in other environments. For example, the accessory device 10 may be used with a massage table. Also, the towel 50 may be used on the massage table without the cushion 20. Also, the accessory device 10 may be used on a table, cot, reclining chair or other support structure to enable those structures to be used as a massage table.

[0034] Also, the accessory device may be used for therapeutic purposes, such as to allow recuperation after surgery, or other medical procedures. Often, a person may be required to lie face down for periods of time to recuperate from back or other types of surgery, or for rehabilitation purposes. The present invention may be installed over a bed, couch or other structure to enable the user to comfortable lie in a face down position.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, the cushion or towel layer of the present invention may be formed of an elastic material that will enable it to be stretched over various sizes of furniture.

[0036] It is to be expressly understood that the above descriptive embodiment are provided for explanatory purposes only. Other embodiments of the present invention are within the claimed inventions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An support device for use with and article of furniture, said support device comprising: a first layer having approximately the dimensions of the article of furniture onto which it is to be mounted; an engagement mechanism for engaging said first layer onto the article of furniture; and an opening formed near one end of said first layer to allow a user to lie face down on said first layer mounted on the article of furniture.
 2. The support device of claim 1 wherein said first layer includes: a cushion.
 3. The support device of claim 1 wherein said first layer includes: a water-resistant cushion.
 4. The support device of claim 1 wherein said first layer includes: a water-resistant fabric layer.
 5. The support device of claim 1 wherein said engagement mechanism includes: at least one pocket formed in a lower surface of said first layer for engagement over a surface of the article of furniture.
 6. The support device of claim 1 wherein said engagement mechanism includes: at least one pocket having an elastic portion formed in a lower surface of said first layer for engagement over a surface of the article of furniture
 7. The support device of claim 1 wherein said opening includes: a dimension approximately the size of the user's face.
 8. The support device of claim 1 wherein said opening includes: said first layer having a thickness adjacent said opening to comfortably support the face and neck of a user having their face in said opening.
 9. The support device of claim 1 wherein said opening includes: an insert that is movable out of said opening when a user is to lie face down.
 10. The support device of claim 1 wherein said support device includes: a second layer formed of a fabric material for engagement on said first layer.
 11. The support device of claim 1 wherein said support device includes: dimensions for engagement over a lounge chair.
 12. The support device of claim 1 wherein said support device includes: dimensions for engagement over a table.
 13. The support device of claim 1 wherein said support device includes: dimensions for engagement over a lounge chair.
 14. The support device of claim 1 wherein said support device includes: dimensions for engagement over a bed.
 15. The support device of claim 1 wherein said support device includes: dimensions for engagement over a table.
 16. The support device of claim 1 wherein said support device includes: dimensions for engagement over a massage table.
 17. The support device of claim 1 wherein said support device includes: dimensions to enable a user lie on the ground.
 18. A method for supporting a user in face down prone position on an article of furniture using an support device having a first layer with engagement mechanisms on at least a portion of the lower surface of said first layer and an opening near one end of said first layer, said method comprising the steps of: engaging said first layer over a portion of the article of furniture; lying down on said first layer so that the face of the user in a face-down position engages in said opening.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said method further includes: said first layer including a cushion to comfortably support the head and neck of the user.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein said method further includes: a second layer formed of fabric for engagement onto said first layer. 